Grades

Touring Trip Grades

In order to give you some idea of the type of trip and conditions you might experience trips are graded from A (lowest) to C (highest). They can vary from a day paddle on a sheltered inland loch to the exposed headlands, cliffs, crossings and tide races among some of
Scotland’s rugged coastline and islands. If you are a newcomer you should start off on a Grade A trip so that you can judge your capabilities against other paddlers and minimise the risk to yourself.

Grade A
is in sheltered water. You should be capable of paddling 20km (12 miles)per day in Force 2/3 conditions.

Grade B
is in more challenging waters and may include tidal streams, exposed headlands, and open crossings between islands. You should be capable of paddling 25km (16 miles) per day in up to Force 4 conditions. A Four Star paddler would feel comfortable on such a trip.

Grade C
You should be capable of paddling in more difficult conditions than Grade B for a longer time.

Rivers

Although there is an International River Grading System (see below), we have a useful description to help you know which river trips you could consider attending.

Improver River Trips – A trip on moving water where you can learn breaking in and out, ferry gliding etc. You will already have the basics of support strokes etc. Typical rivers are Grade 2 such as the Teith, Tay (above Grandtully), Ayr.

Intermediate River Trips -A more demanding river where the challenges are more than the improver trips. Typical rivers are the Awe, Nith, Tay (Stanley to Thistlebrig) (See Grade 2/3 below)

Advanced River Trips – Harder trips typically organised via the Whatsapp or email rather than the calendar. Rivers may include the Middle Orchy, North Esk etc and are Grade 4(5).

International River Grading System

GRADE 1
Moving water, unobstructed and without technical difficulties. There may be small waves and riffles to challenge the paddler.

GRADE 2
Waves, small stoppers and other minor obstructions to avoid. Eddies and cushion waves may be strong.

GRADE 3

Waves, stoppers and technical difficulties are more severe. There may be drops and powerful constrictions. The main distinguishing factor of Grade 3 water is that the paddler will have to follow a recognisable route to avoid obstacles and hazards.

GRADE 4

Severe waves, drops, stoppers and other obstructions. The route is not easily recognisable and will usually require careful inspection from the boat or bank. Grade 4 encompasses a wide range of rivers, from those with pool-drop rapids to those with extended continuous rapids; so there is a huge variation in difficulty. It is common to distinguish easier grade 4 rapids by grading them as 4- and harder rapids as 4+ (or in some cases, 3/4 or 4/5).

GRADE 5

Extremely difficult rapids with precise and technically demanding routes to be followed. Stoppers, currents and waves will be powerful and inspection is essential.

GRADE 6
All of the above carried to extremes. Grade 6 usually means unrunnable rapids, which may just be possible in certain conditions.

About Us

Welcome to the website for Drumchapel & Clydebank Kayak Club. We are Glasgow's leading recreational kayak club with over 100 members who enjoy sea kayaking, canoeing and river kayaking.

With 14 qualified volunteer coaches we cater for beginners through to experts.

The club has a wide range of kayaks, canoes and other equipment. We have regular club pool sessions and loch nights as well as weekend and midweek trips.

Kayak Pool Sessions First Session is from 7 to 8pm, Children and Parents and adult beginners/novice groups*. Second session is from 8 to 9pm Adults session. During both sessions we will normally have coaching available[...]

The regular club night on the artificial white water course at Pinkston, Glasgow. We have the venue booked from 7.30pm (flat water) and then the pumped course from 8pm. Changing rooms are available from 7pm[...]